An Apology for Poetry

"An Apology for Poetry", written by Philip Sidney and originally published as "An Apology for Poesy", is an argumentative essay that defends all forms of literature against the claims that they are immoral and useless. "An Apology for Poesy" is influential and famous for its clear attitude and brilliant technique while, it defends literature against criticisms of Puritans and, ironically, some philosophers.

In his essay, Sidney uses a friendly tone and explanatory, long sentences, showing the basis and rules of writing an argumentative essay. He argues that poetry is a noble and fundamental art, and is needed to teach and delight people. Sidney compares literature to three main disciplines: law, philosophy, and history. He states that even though these are important and didactic disciplines, they could not substitute for literature. He further supports this claim by analyzing the pearls and pitfalls of the subjects: Law can restrain people from committing crimes but does not make them better, History can provide moral examples but doesn't necessarily give a moral lesson, Philosophy can offer examples of virtue and ethics but not quite enough to form an empathy with individuals and teach them virtue.

In "An Apology for Poetry", Sidney asserts that tragedy is the highest and most excellent genre of literature. He emphasizes tragedy’s unparalleled ability to teach virtue and delight its audience, thereby establishing it as the supreme genre. Tragedy’s dual capacity to be read and performed makes it accessible and instructive to people of all social classes. Moreover, its power of mimesis, which allows it to imitate the ideal rather than the real, inspires its audience to seek higher truths. Sidney states, “It is not the image of man’s own worthiness, but the character of the noble and virtuous person which he should follow” (Sidney, "An Apology for Poetry").

Furthermore, considering the state of England, Sidney establishes a nationalistic approach regarding the influence of poetry. He argues that literature is the most efficient way to build and spread a nation. Sidney asserts, “I think truly, that of all writers under the sun the poet is the least liar; and, though he would, as a poet can scarcely be a liar, the astronomer, with his cousin the geometrician, can hardly escape when they take upon them to measure the height of the stars” (Sidney, "An Apology for Poetry").